Professor Kearns joined Notre Dame in 2005 as Foundation Dean of Nursing at Notre Dame’s Sydney Campus and Executive Dean of the College of Nursing.

Professor Kearns has enjoyed careers in nursing, science and academia. She has 16 years of clinical experience including midwifery and 12 years in Intensive Care Nursing. In 1994 she completed a BSc Hons and was awarded the University of Sydney Medal for Biochemistry.

Prof Kearns completed a PhD in molecular genetics then undertook a post-doctoral research fellowship at Children’s Medical Research Institute before joining the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Sydney, lecturing in clinical sciences. She has taught undergraduate science, health and nursing students for more than 20 years.

In 2008 she was appointed Pro Vice Chancellor Academic and Student Services, Sydney and in 2010 -2011 was also Provost of the Sydney Campus. Currently she is Pro Vice Chancellor Sydney and Pro Vice Chancellor Academic.